Desserts > Pastry

Almond Cream Horns Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds

Special Equipment Needed:
- Pastry bag with star tip
- Cream horn molds

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt.
3. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Gradually add water, stirring with a fork until mixture forms a ball.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8-inch thickness.
6. Cut into 3-inch circles.
7. Wrap each circle around a cream horn mold.
8. Place on an ungreased baking sheet.
9. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
11. In a medium bowl, combine sugar, almond extract, and cream.
12. Beat until stiff peaks form.
13. Place cream mixture in a pastry bag fitted with a star tip.
14. Pipe cream into cooled cream horns.
15. Sprinkle with toasted almonds.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 12 cream horns

Nutritional Information: Calories: 200, Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 30mg, Sodium: 140mg, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 3g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Butter: Margarine or vegetable shortening
- Heavy cream: Half-and-half or evaporated milk
- Almond extract: Vanilla extract

Variations:
- Substitute other nuts for the almonds, such as walnuts or pecans.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the cream mixture for a festive touch.
- Add a teaspoon of cocoa powder to the cream mixture for a chocolate flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Use a light touch when rolling out the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Make sure the cream horns are completely cooled before adding the cream mixture.
- Toasting the almonds brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch.

Storage Instructions:
Store cooled cream horns in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Cream horns can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Arrange cream horns on a platter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- Place cream horns in a basket lined with a linen napkin.
- Serve cream horns on individual plates with a dollop of whipped cream.

Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit
- Fruit salad
- Ice cream

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it forms a ball.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it is no longer sticky.

Food Safety Advice:
- Keep cream horns refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Discard any cream horns that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food History:
Cream horns have been a popular dessert in Europe for centuries. They are believed to have originated in Italy in the 16th century and were traditionally served at weddings and other special occasions.

Flavor Profiles:
Almond cream horns are sweet and nutty with a hint of almond extract.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve almond cream horns as a light dessert after a meal.
- Enjoy almond cream horns with a cup of coffee or tea.

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Taste: Crispy, Sweet, Nutty, Creamy